
Reach for this book when your teen is navigating the complexities of social media, digital ethics, or the intense pressure of college admissions. It addresses the terrifying reality of how technology can be used to manipulate truth and destroy reputations in an instant. The story follows two high-achieving seniors, Dara and Will, whose lives are upended when a deepfake video surfaces, making it appear as though Dara is accusing Will of cheating. It is a timely exploration of trust, integrity, and the high stakes of our digital age. Parents will appreciate how it models critical thinking and the importance of digital literacy for teens who live much of their lives online. It is best suited for readers aged 13 and up due to its sophisticated themes regarding digital manipulation and the social pressures of high school.
A central secret relationship with some kissing and emotional intimacy.
The book deals with digital harassment and academic fraud. The approach is direct and realistic, showcasing the tangible consequences of online defamation. The resolution is realistic: while the truth comes out, the emotional scars and the lesson that 'the internet is forever' remain.
A high schooler who feels the crushing weight of academic competition and spends significant time on social media. It is perfect for the student who is interested in tech ethics or who has experienced the sting of school gossip.
Read cold, but be prepared to discuss the actual technology of deepfakes and the legalities of defamation. No specific scenes require censoring for the target age. A parent might see their child being shunned by peers due to an online rumor or witness their teen obsessing over a 'receipt' or video posted on a gossip account.
Middle schoolers will see a high-stakes mystery. High schoolers will internalize the terrifying possibility of this happening to them and the nuances of college admission pressures.
Unlike standard bullying books, this focuses specifically on the 'deepfake' phenomenon, making it one of the first YA novels to tackle AI-driven character assassination.
Dara Simons and Will Halpern are the top students at Greenpoint High and secretly dating. Their world implodes when a gossip site, Rumor Has It, posts a deepfake video. In the video, Dara appears to confess that Will paid someone to take his SATs. As an investigation launches, the two must figure out who framed them while their relationship and college prospects hang by a thread.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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